Freedom First Gives

What is the Freedom Gives Grant Program?

The Freedom Gives Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations that advance financial wellness and address housing-related challenges in communities served by Freedom First Credit Union. The program prioritizes projects that create measurable, long‑term community impact.

When are grants awarded?

Grants are awarded twice per year:

• June
• December

Application windows open:

• April (for June awards)
• October (for December awards)

Applications submitted outside these windows will not be reviewed.

Who is eligible to apply?

Organizations must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Serve New River Valley, Roanoke, or Lynchburg
• Propose a project aligned with program focus areas

Preference is given to existing Freedom First Credit Union members, though membership is not required.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects must align with one or both focus areas:

Financial Wellness:

• Financial education or coaching
• Workforce development with financial literacy
• Savings or credit‑building initiatives
• Small business or youth financial literacy programs

Housing‑Related Initiatives:

• Affordable housing development or preservation
• Homeownership education or counseling
• Housing stability or homelessness prevention
• Home repair, safety, energy efficiency, or accessibility improvements

How much funding is available?

Grant amounts are larger than in prior years to maximize impact. Award amounts vary annually based on Freedom First’s giving budget.

Funding must support a specific project or program, not general operating expenses.

How many grants are awarded?

• One grant per market per cycle (NRV, Roanoke, Lynchburg)
• Six grants annually
• One additional year‑end grant selected from previously submitted applications

How are applications reviewed?

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with program priorities
• Strength of relationship with Freedom First
• Number of people impacted
• Organizational capacity and readiness
• Ability to complete the project with requested funds
• Plan to promote community impact of the grant

How will we be notified?

• Approved applicants are contacted directly by a Freedom First representative.
• Declined applicants receive an automated email notification.

Can declined applicants reapply?

• Yes, but organizations must wait six months before submitting a new application.

Are grantees required to report outcomes?

Yes. Funded organizations must provide measurable outcomes, such as:

• Individuals served
• Financial literacy improvements
• Housing units created, preserved, or improved

Grantees should also be willing to participate in public recognition or media opportunities.